Navajo lawmakers re-elect Naize as council speaker

WINDOW ROCK, AZ (AP) -

Navajo lawmakers have re-elected Johnny Naize as head of the tribe's legislative branch.

The fourth-term lawmaker will preside over Tribal Council meetings for another two years.

Monday's vote during the first day of the council's winter session in Window Rock was reminiscent of the election two years ago. Naize again beat out LoRenzo Bates, the chairman of the council's Budget and Finance Committee, in a runoff.

Five lawmakers were nominated for the post, with the top-two vote getters participating in the runoff.

Naize represents five communities on the Arizona portion of the reservation. As speaker, he has overseen the transition of the council from 88 members to 24 members.